José Manuel Lorenzo, producer of Netflix global non-English chart-toppers “The Gardener” and “Raising Voices,” is set to receive this year’s Conecta Fiction Honorary Award. It will be presented to him at this year’s Conecta Fiction & Entertainment, which runs June 16-19, relocated to Cuenca, a one hour train ride East of Madrid. “The award recognizes […]
Variety
Russell Brand Arrives at London Court for First Hearing on Rape Charges
Russell Brand has arrived at London’s Westminster Magistrates Court to face charges of rape, indecent assault and sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police. Brand arrived to a mass of cameras, wearing sunglasses and an open shirt. The preliminary first hearing is expected to see the case — given the serious nature of the accusations — referred to […]
Billy Magnussen, Ella Purnell and Ariana Greenblatt to Star in Teen Comedy ‘Hot Ted’ From ‘SNL’ Alum Hannah Levy, Protagonist Launching in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)
Billy Magnussen (“Road House,” “Lilo & Stitch”), Ella Purnell (“Fallout,” “Yellowjackets”) and Ariana Greenblatt (“Barbie,” “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”) are set to star in the upcoming serial killer teen comedy “Hot Ted” directed by SNL alumni Hannah Levy in their feature directorial debut. Protagonist Pictures, led by CEO Dave Bishop, is launching […]
Cannes’ Un Certain Regard Film ‘Homebound’ by Neeraj Ghaywan to Be Repped by Paradise City Sales, WME Independent (EXCLUSIVE)
Paradise City Sales and WME Independent are teaming up to co-represent “Homebound,” directed by acclaimed Indian director Neeraj Ghaywan in the run up to its world premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard. “Homebound” marks Ghaywan’s long-gestated follow up to his feature debut “Masaan” which had also premiered at Un Certain Regard in 2015 and turned […]
‘Blue’s Clues’ Star Steve Burns Says Online Rumors That He Died ‘Depressed’ Him and Made Him Feel Like He Was ‘Supposed to Be’ Dead
Many stars of children’s television shows have become victims of internet fixation, and “Blue’s Clues” star Steve Burns says that online rumors have taken a toll on his own mental health over the years. Appearing on Rainn Wilson’s “Soul Bloom” podcast, Burns reflected on his negative reaction to a lingering online rumor that he had […]
Trump White House Seeks to Cease Federal Funding to PBS, NPR With New Executive Order
The Trump White House issued an executive order Thursday evening that called for a block on all federal funding to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), alleging that both organizations have engaged with “biased and partisan news coverage.” The order instructs the board of the Corporation of Public Broadcasting “cease direct […]
‘Henry Johnson’ Review: David Mamet Stays in His Rabbit Hole of Cryptic Power Games, but Shia LaBeouf Makes a Striking Convict
As Henry, Evan Jonigkeit (who is Mamet’s son-in-law) makes Henry such a passive, petulant naïf that we never develop much of a rooting interest in him. He’s a dupe in two ways: Everyone around him keeps manipulating him, and Mamet doesn’t seem too interested in what happens to him. “Henry Johnson” is a parade of showy conceits that never entirely becomes, you know…a play.
At Variety’s ‘Power of Women: Nashville,’ Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Mickey Guyton and Reba McEntire Talk About Making a Difference, Mental Health and Mutual Standom
Introducing her friend Sheryl Crow at Variety’s inaugural “Power of Women: Nashville” event Thursday, Maren Morris said, “She is a rare example of: Do meet your heroes.” That was a theme that ran through the Music City event, which celebrated four of Nashville’s most empathetic and philanthropic stars, as well as a good number of […]
‘Drive My Car’ Outfit Bitters End Adds Sho Miyake’s Manga Adaptation ‘Two Seasons, Two Strangers’ to Cannes Market Slate (EXCLUSIVE)
Bitters End has acquired international sales rights for “Two Seasons, Two Strangers,” the latest feature from Japanese director Sho Miyake, ahead of the Cannes film market. With three decades in the business, Bitters End has established itself as a leading Japanese distributor, handling films from internationally acclaimed filmmakers including Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Bong Joon-Ho, the Dardenne […]
Josh Hutcherson Joins Rachel Sennott HBO Comedy Series
Josh Hutcherson has joined Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO comedy series in a recasting, Variety has learned. Hutcherson will take over one of the lead roles, which was played by Miles Robbins in the series’ pilot, as the role underwent changes after the pilot was shot and the show was greenlit. Sennott also stars in the […]